Birth Story: Going Beyond 40 Weeks with Amber Mejia-Mohr
Show Notes:
[1:31] Guest Intro
Meet Amber, 31-year-old mom of three from NYC, here to share her third birth story.
[1:59] Amber's Pregnancy Experience
Amber discusses early nausea, being classified as high-risk due to previous pregnancy loss, and her journey with midwives and OBs. She also shares concerns about a brain cyst found during the anatomy scan.
[5:47] Amber's Weight Gain During Pregnancy
She candidly shares about gaining more weight than usual, postpartum body changes, and navigating back-to-back pregnancies.
[6:41] Staying Calm During Pregnancy
Amber reflects on what helped her stay grounded, including avoiding Google spirals and relying on provider reassurance.
[7:49] Amber’s Providers
She shares her experience with a supportive midwife and maternal fetal medicine provider, plus the unexpected change during labor when an unfamiliar OB delivered her baby.
[9:15] Amber’s Birth Partner
Amber’s husband and mom supported her through labor. She emphasized the importance of educating her birth team with the My Essential Birth course.
[11:12] Favorite Counter Pressure
Amber shares her favorite technique: firm pressure in the center of her back with the palms while on all fours.
[11:46] Watching the Birth Course Together
She explains why doing the course with her husband helped them prepare mentally and emotionally for birth.
[12:56] Daily Pregnancy Routines
Amber used lavender oil, meditation, daily exercises, a yoga ball, and binge-watched positive birth stories on YouTube to stay mentally and physically ready.
[15:07] From Contraction to Birth
She describes early labor at home, support from her doula, hospital check-in at 6cm, and an unmedicated birth with affirmations and counter pressure. Her son was born at 41 weeks, weighing 9 lbs 15 oz!
[29:03] Differences with Baby’s Weight
Despite predictions of an 8 lb baby, her son was nearly 10 lbs. Amber discusses how size didn't interfere with her vaginal birth.
[31:21] Gestation for First and Second Births
Amber delivered her previous babies around 40 weeks, making 41 weeks her longest pregnancy.
[32:12] Extended Pregnancy Experience
Amber shares how she stayed mentally strong despite discomfort and going past her due date.
[33:35] Managing Contractions
Her contractions stayed mostly 5 minutes apart until transition. She used low moaning, breathing, and relaxation to cope.
[35:56] Description of Contractions
Described early contractions as period-like cramps moving from back to front. Later, they became more intense with the classic "mountain peak" sensation.
[37:08] Best Advice for Moms and Partners
Amber’s wisdom: Question everything, learn all you can, and trust your body. Partners should educate themselves and be all-in on mom's wishes.
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